McLaren to launch new car after Valencia test

(GMM) McLaren will buck the trend of its closest F1 rivals by not revealing its 2011 car until after the forthcoming Valencia test.

While fellow 2010 title contenders Red Bull and Ferrari plan to kick off the four-test pre-season period with new cars, Woking based McLaren announced late on Friday that the MP4-26 will not be unveiled until February 4.

That is the day after the Valencia group test ends, making it likely that McLaren will commence its winter program with an interim version of the 2010 chassis before the new car debuts at Jerez.

McLaren said the 2011 launch will take place in Berlin but gave no further details.